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Fire Emblem & Fire Emblem: the Sacred Stones |
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Impressions:
The games appear simplistic but are actually incredibly deep. The tactical battle system incorporated into Fire Emblem can be compared to a game of chess. The player takes turns moving all his or her units and then the computer does the same. There are a handful of different character classes in the game and these classes determine the stats of each unit like defense and strength. Your character's class also affects the amount of spaces your unit can move and the weapons they can use.
Unlike other Role-playing games, the Fire Emblem series does not allow you to revive your fallen comrades. Once they are dead they are dead! The only way to get them back is to restart the chapter (level) over again. If any of the main characters are killed, it’s an instant game over, so these units must always be protected. There is also the support system, which further enhances the overall gameplay. All units have different relationships with one another, some better than others. If units fight adjacent to one another consistently, this builds relations between those units. Building these relations raises character stats when fighting together. It also helps develop the game's plot and even affects the ending!
Parting Words: Fire emblem instantly became one of my favorite GBA titles of all time when I started playing it. Its highly addictive tactical strategy battle system and endearing storyline really blew me away. I only wish I had the chance to play these games sooner. Sadly these Fire Emblem titles for the GBA were the first to make it to the West. I can not wait for the Wii version which should be out sometime in 2007. The success of Fire Emblem on the GameBoy Advance played a huge factor in getting the new Wii version released here. Hell if we are lucky enough, maybe Nintendo will do a re-release of the original games online through the Wii’s virtual console. - November 10, 2006 
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The Fire Emblem games are developed by Intelligent Systems, which is an internal branch of Nintendo. But more specifically they are masterminded by Shouzou Kaga, who also created the popular Advance Wars series; which happens to be almost identical in game play to Fire Emblem. The Art in the Fire Emblem games is beautifully drawn and has a definite anime flavor to it. The games integrate mythology that focuses heavily on medieval folklore into the game play. Fire Emblem has warring kingdoms and empires, as well as dragons and magic. Alliances between kingdoms are usually forged to defeat a rising empire determined to conquer the world.
In all Fire Emblem games you start out with a small party consisting of one or two main characters and a couple of support characters. As you move through the game, you will meet additional characters who can join your party. Some of these new characters must be approached by certain key characters in your party, or you will miss them altogether or even worse, accidentally kill them! It is quite a feat to collect all the units in these games, because there can be as many as thirty or forty in some cases! Even harder still, is surviving the game with all of your units intact!
In the first Fire emblem for the GBA you play the role of a wandering tactician who commands all the units during the battles. The in-game characters include you in conversation, but you never actually have to fight (sigh). In the sequel Fire Emblem: the Sacred Stones; this feature was sadly removed.
Another great thing about the Fire Emblem games for the GBA, is the ability to preserve your position in the game if you decide to turn off the power. When you turn your GBA back on, you will be instantly returned to your last move made in the game. This is ideal for a portable RPG.
